“I have an addictive personality. I see myself as a recovering alcoholic and drug addict – I’m in recovery still to this day … I’ve had to work on myself and continue to do that every day.”
After transforming his life by sobering up, Daniel became a drug and alcohol counsellor in an effort to help “young kids that were like me”.
He now works as a real estate managing director, and is a very proud father to two children from his previous marriage, who constantly inspire him.
And, while his kids play a very big role in Daniel’s life, he still feels like he “failed them” after his marriage broke down 10 years ago.
“I still struggle with the fact [that] my marriage ended, and I remember the day like yesterday when we told them we were splitting up and I saw their hearts break,” he says.
“I wish I had worked harder on my marriage and been a better husband and father. I feel like being on Big Brother, I can show my kids another side to me and one they can be proud of.”
Daniel adds that being separated from his kids while in the revamped house is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do.
“You’ve got time to reflect, and I realised how much I miss them and how much more I need them in my life.
"In normal life, you run around escaping feelings, but in the house, I felt everything tenfold, so even though I spend time with them [a lot], it made me realise [that] I want to spend even more time with them.”
For more, pick up a copy of New Idea. On sale now!